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Autism affects one in every 100 people. The condition can intensify sensory perceptions, making social situations difficult and the filtering of sounds, smells and sights a struggle.

Going out can be a challenge for people with autism because shops are often too loud and glaringly bright. A survey by the National Autistic Society suggests that 64% of autistic people avoid going to the shops and 28% have been asked to leave a public place for reasons associated with their autism.

Derby's Intu Centre (Image: Victoria Wilcox)

Intu Derby is encouraging all its businesses to take part in the Autism Hour and it is expected a large number of retail outlets elsewhere around the area will also be responding in a similar way at some point during this week.

An Intu spokesman said lights would be dimmed and added: “We will be turning off any loud music and creating a calm atmosphere which we know helps any autistic person coming to the centre.

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Something for the shopaholics out there

“The event is all about raising awareness about the condition and it is important that our team responds to this.”

Mark Lever, chief executive at the National Autistic Society, said: "Like anyone, people on the autism spectrum and their families want the opportunity to go to the shops and access services.

“Our Too Much Information campaign is highlighting that the smallest changes can make the biggest difference for autistic people, that’s why, alongside intu, the National Autistic Society are asking shops and services to take simple steps for 60 minutes, from dimming the lights to turning down music."